Dedicated locality research platform
Dedicated locality research platform
Enter your email address and you will receive
a link to reset your password
Deepak Kesarkar, the Guardian Minister of Mumbai, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform a portion of the land housing the Mahalaxmi Race Course into a sprawling amusement park. Speaking at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office, Kesarkar expressed the vision of creating a recreational facility for common citizens while coexisting with the iconic racecourse.
The proposed plan includes the establishment of a "Mumbai Eye" on this vast land, resembling London Eye, London's famous observation wheel. Additionally, there's a strategic vision to connect Mahalaxmi underground with the reclaimed portion of the Coastal Road, creating ease of access to 70 hectares of open space.
The Mahalaxmi Race Course sits on a sprawling land parcel of 8.5 lakh square meters. The BMC owns 2.5 lakh square meters, and the remaining portion is under state government ownership. Managed by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), the racecourse's lease agreements have undergone renewals since its acquisition in 1934. However, the BMC has refrained from renewing the lease since it expired in 2013, sparking controversies over the proposed relocation and theme park plans.
The proposition to set up a theme park was initially presented by the Shiv Sena in 2013 during their majority in the BMC. The BMC again revived this idea and proposed the relocation of the Race Course for building the theme park. This relocation was a key point of contention.
Kesarkar's proposal is innovative as it banks on the idea of coexistence of the iconic racecourse and the amusement park. Currently the access to Mahalaxmi Race Course is restricted to club members and racing enthusiasts. However, this project would help transform the area into a vibrant space for both recreation and racing enthusiasts. Apart from that, the introduction of a "Mumbai Eye" promises to be a distinctive landmark, drawing inspiration from the renowned London Eye. It has the potential to become the next big tourist attraction in India.
In addition to the amusement park plans, Kesarkar revealed a thoughtful initiative – the establishment of day care centres for senior citizens in two south Mumbai wards, namely D ward and K/West. Eight day care centres for senior citizens are in the planning stage, with the first two set to commence on a trial basis. These centres will offer dedicated free bus services for doorstep pick-ups and drop-offs of senior citizens. Kesarkar also outlined proposals for battery-operated mini buses inside the Byculla Zoo for both senior citizens and children.
While the racecourse retains its legacy, the proposed additions align with the changing dynamics of urban spaces, fostering community engagement and well-rounded development. It redefines the usage of the Mahalaxmi Race Course land but also emphasizes inclusivity by catering to the recreational needs of diverse segments of the population, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for generations to come.
Propscience is India’s dedicated property news portal. We cover the latest events, news, trends, deals, new launches and more.
All our services and tools are completely free of cost and available 24X7!
